So relieved......

[Eleni]

I'd been having some of the symptoms of OC for some time now and was pretty convinced that it was back. The CA125 level was very low but my clinicians decided to do a CT scan on 23rd December. I then had to wait for an appointment for the results on 2nd January.

I'm very pleased to say that the New Year has started brilliantly as there was no sign of recurrencing cancer.

It will be 2 years next month since debulking of my 2C stage OC and 18 months since I finished chemotherapy. I know that's not long, but it is encouraging. Apparently I have a hernia which may need surgery.........but there's no cancer!! Hoorah!

Eleni

[Whippit]

Dear Eleni

Thanks so much for sharing your good news. I love reading posts like that as it lifts the spirits Is that you celebrating in your profile pic. You certainly deserve to after so much worry.

Long may this remission continue. The hernia surgery must seem a doddle now.

Much love xxxx Annie

[Eleni in reply to Whippit]

It is me in the photo, yes but I was on my 2nd chemo cycle then and my lovely Sister made me a non alcoholic red, white and blue cocktail for the Royal Wedding day!

I'm not keen on more surgery I must admit, but will listen to the advice. As you say - a hernia op is nothing after this last 2 years...

Thanks for your support

Eleni

[Whippit in reply to Eleni]

Dear Eleni

It makes a lovely pic!

I noticed that you're in the Bristol area. I've heard there's a tremendous Ovarian Support Group in Bristol and wonder if you've heard of it. A few of us in Cardiff are looking to start a group and we'd really like to learn from an established and successful group before we start it up.

Any chance you've heard of this group in Bristol and know of someone there I could get in touch with?

All the best, Annie

[Eleni in reply to Whippit]

Hi Annie

Do you know.......if there is a group, I've certainly not heard of one. I am a huge supporter of Ovacome and Targert Ovarian Cancer who have held workshops in Bristol and nothing has come out regarding a group in this area? So, I seriously doubt it.. I've asked Ovacome in the past about setting one up even (but haven't heard anything). If you can track any more info down, I'd love to pursue it!

I just wonder whether there's been any confusion regarding Penny Brohn Cancer Centre's role? They are a tremendous organisation on the outskirts of Bristol - google them. They don't just deal with OC though, any cancer but I have used the centre extensively and can't speak more highly of them....in fact I'm a volunteer speaker for them!

Helen x

[Hidden]

Hi Eleni,

Great news a lovely start to the new year, but must have been such a worry over Christmas.

I have an incisional hernia, but was informed that an operation is not always successful, so as it wasn't too troublesome at the time decided to leave it for a while, but since then I have had a recurrence (and I am back in remission) I think the hernia operation isn't even on the agenda now (bigger fish to fry).... there are a few others on this site that have had a hernia operation, they might be able to advice you a way forward, (seeing as I still have my hernia).

But so good your news thanks for sharing love x G x

[citrine]

That's excellent news Eleni.

Hope the hernia doesn't cause too much of a problem but after cancer most things seem like small potatoes.

Love

Mary xx

[Eleni in reply to citrine]

totally agree Mary! hernia, schmernia............

x

[Eleni]

Hi Gwyn

I'm sorry to hear of your recurrence but delighted to hear you're back in remission. As you say, i'm not sure about surgery for the hernia. What are the repercussions of not having it done? I'll have achat with the clinicians when I see them again.

sometimes I've felt so downhearted reading of the pain so many are in on this site that i felt to share my good news might help others to think there can be some light at the end.

Thank you for your support

Eleni x

[Hidden in reply to Eleni]

Hi Eleni,

I was adviced that it is a major operation and not always a success, at the time I was relieved it was just a hernia and not a recurrence, but when I say "just a hernia" it is no small thing, so I asked the surgeon his advice... he was willing to operate straight away but did explain the enormity of it, and suggested I might want to wait, but the hernia he said will get bigger, (to be honest it hasn't got bigger) some days it sticks out more than other days...but having since had a recurrence, I don't think they would be fussy on operating now (but I haven't asked) the recurrence by the way was nowhere near the hernia (just so you'd know)...so perhaps you could ask the for and against... Love x G x

[Eleni in reply to Hidden]

Very sensible advice. thanks Gwyn, I'll, do that. Hx

[Hidden]

Good news!

[Hidden]

So pleased for you. Always good to hear that every little pain and ache isn't cancer.

Linda xx

[Eleni in reply to Hidden]

totally agree Linda. I have some abdominal pain, feel bloated and was convincing myself it was back but it turns out i've got this damned hernia and acid reflux!

It is so easy to frighten oneself..

Helen x

[lisarm5]

Hi Helen, really pleased for you. Its so nice to hear some positive news and it struck a chord with me as my cancer was stage 2c as well. I am nearly finished my chemo and hope I can celebrate a positive scan result and a long remission at the end of out. Fingers crossed xx

[Eleni in reply to lisarm5]

If you are like me, you must be feeling pretty rough now then. Chemo hit me really hard......You'll be feeling better soon. I'll be thinking of you and wish you a good result. If my experience gives you some hope, then that's all I would wish......keep strong Honey. Hx

[wendydee]

Hi Helen! I am so glad that the imagined recurrence is something quite different! I had something similar with a bladder problem that felt weird a while ago. Turned out to be N infection and nothing to be worried about..... Phew the point of this rambling is that it's so easy to convince ourselves that IT is back ........ I think that so many of us who are hypersensitive about every ache and pain. And who can blame us! Good luck with the hernia. Not nice ............but not cancer

Love Wendy xx